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Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths

bagi11. 10. 2021 13:19:44

Every year we explore something new and this time the Marmolada massif appealed to us. We don't like crowded accesses too much and accordingly we smoothly skipped the glacier with Punto Penino. Instead we came up with a lesser-known area between Val di Fassa and San Peregrino valleys. There really were no crowds, nor did we expect to be alone on the path. Our trip lasted three days and we met only a few locals.

At the end it all turned out as a nice circular variant. We walked all sorts of terrain, sometimes with slight doubt if these are even the Dolomites anymore. They have many faces, only the name is common. Anyway, after three days our counter stopped at 55 km and 5500m ascent. We unanimously agreed we'll return big grin

. More in photo stories ...

And how did we hike?

DAY 1 - Pozza di Fassa, Sas da le Doudesc, Sentiero Franco Gadotti, Sentiero Bruno Federspiel

We started in Pozza di Fassa village, where we returned on the last day too. On paths 636, 635 and 617 we climbed to Monzoni ridge, visited its initial summit and continued on Sentiero Franco Gadotti marked 630A. This path is a mix of attractive passages on steep slopes, several times with via ferrata sections too. Ambience is nice, you constantly feel the mighty backdrop around you. Path ends at saddle below easily accessible Punta Vallaccia peak.

From there onward along the ridge leads Sentiero Bruno Federspiel marked 616. It's extremely unusual, nothing of Dolomites look and ends at Passo delle Sella. By looks it's a combination of our Košuta and Carnic 403, full of geological features throughout. Mostly sticks to the ridge, only occasionally retreats to slopes. Some sections steep, unpleasantly exposed and poorly marked. Different rocks change like on conveyor belt. Ridge is excellent viewpoint due to location, autumn obviously also great fog magnet smile

.

First day we finished at Passo delle Selle saddle and slept in namesake hut. Rif. Passo delle Selle has only 24 beds and we were slightly worried if there'd be a bed for us too. No problem at all. In total three of us overnighted, service excellent as if hut full. Rooms on level too, not to mention caretaking team smile

. Easily recommend hut to others. That day 15 km and 2200m ascent.

Coordinates of start (Pozza di Fassa): 46.429221, 11.694835

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The path at the very beginning follows the ski slope, caution needed at the upper station

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Further the markings are being renewed, signs not yet written. Here 635 passes

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We already higher, at bivouac D. Zeni. Here also officially starts Sentiero Franco Gadotti

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Named after alpinist Gadotti, tragically deceased at tender 21 years

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Introduction is interesting, immediately serves with steel cables

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some passage is more exposed, really not difficult

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Follows ascent on steep grassy slopes, then we are again in rocks

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Ascent to initial ridge summit. This is right of basic route

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Sas da le Doudesc - 2446 m

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View from the summit to the village of Pozza di Fassa, our starting point

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are going left, we have just arrived from the right

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We continue along picturesque passages, partly with the aid of wire ropes and pegs

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View back to the just visited Sas da le Doudesc

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Intermediate peak Sas Aut

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths A more difficult section follows almost immediately

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The safety gear is excellent. On these pegs the foot cannot slip left or right

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We meet an overly hasty guide who has completely worn out his clients

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The setting is grand, somewhat mysterious due to the fog

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We must reach the saddle. The scree consists of fine material and is great to walk on

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The fog has partially cleared. We have just emerged on the right edge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths At the top of Punta Vallaccia, 2637 m high vantage point

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View of the continuation. The Sentiero Bruno Federspiel runs along this ridge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Our route is path 616A. We have another four hours to the hut

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The start is pleasant, nothing special

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Gradually the ridge becomes ever narrower, soon it gets tricky

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths More and more rocks, the path is still well trodden

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Little stars, unofficial marker for the Sentiero Bruno Federspiel path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Here the passages are already quite exposed, sometimes barely visible

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths This is how it looks ...

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Then grass follows again, we walk on a narrow path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Descent to the saddle Forcela Ricoletta

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Here are also markers for the transverse path connecting one valley to another

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Black rock, another of the geological faults on this ridge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Everything is scoured, yet the path mostly sticks to the edge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View back at a section of the traversed path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Time to recharge the batteries :) First longer break today

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The environment changes again, it looks like walking on Karnijski 403

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some difficult passages are overcome with the aid of fixed ropes

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some small bridges can also be found

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths path marker

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We walk on the left side of the ridge. No fog here, nor wind

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths When we cross to the right side, wind and cold await us

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are back on the left, this time in a more demanding section

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths It is becoming increasingly clear to us that this is all a military path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Punta Alochet with many markers and riddled with caverns

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We quickly find an explanation: fierce battles took place here in WWI

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are approaching the final goal of this day

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths At Passo delle Selle the Sentiero Bruno Federspiel also ends

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Hut Rif. P'so delle Selle right above the saddle

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Inside it is exceptionally beautiful and immediately gives a feeling of homeliness :)

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths BLUE line - GPS track of the hiked path DAY 1

(+8)

bbugari111. 10. 2021 14:41:03

Excellent, as usual... smile

Passo delle Selle, Passo Sella is on the way Val di Fassa - Val Gardena... wink

bagi11. 10. 2021 15:06:18

Fixed, thx smile

bagi12. 10. 2021 12:43:15

DAY 2 - Alta via Bepi Zac, Sentiero de le Cirele, Ferrata Ombretta, Cime de Ombreta

Here it got a bit stuck, the Alta via Bepi Zac path is unfortunately under renovation (status 2021). It's the highest part of the traverse and runs along former military paths. Signs about path closure everywhere. We didn't want to look like illiterate fools, so we found a valley detour towards Passo Peregrino. Sentiero de le Cirele no. 607 would be reached via Alta via, but we joined it in this detour variant already a bit before Rif. Fuciade hut.

Continuation gets more alpine with every step. With numerous serpentines we overcame vast scree fields and after long ascent finally reached Passo Cirele. First visited nearby Palon de Jigole peak, then more distant Ombretolo. Another descent over scree and we were at Ferrata Ombretta. This one is rather short, difficulty B/C, protections flawless. Followed crossing of the plateau under Sass Vernalom, ascent to three-thousander Ombreta Orientale and slightly lower Ombreta de Mezzo.

Past bivouac Marco dal Bianco we descended to narrow Passo de Ombreta saddle. This area looks serious, with mighty walls on both sides. No wonder, this saddle divides Marmolada range into two parts. First is where we came from, second is 3343 m Punta Penina rising right above the saddle. Along path 610 we continued left into Val Rosalia valley and further to Rif. Contrin hut. We overnighted here. Hut all best, they even gave us a room with private shower and facilities. That day 20 km and 1700 m ascent.

After a good breakfast we leave the hut. A beautiful day awaits.

At the hut is the start of Alta Via Bepi Zac, unfortunately closed this time for renovation

We change our plans and descend rightwards along path 604 towards the valley.

Chairlift from the saddle Passo S. Pellegrino.

Signs for the closure of Alta Via Bepi Zac are on all accesses

The alta via runs up there. No problem, we'll get there :)

Slowly we move into the side valley Code

Pastoral / holiday settlement around the hut Rif. Fuchiade

The highest part of the ridge with the three-thousander Cima dell'Uomo in the background

Along path 607 we continue into the high alpine world

First we have to climb to the pass Pas da le Cirele

To it we have to traverse endless scree fields

The scenery is beautiful, weather nice and air cool. We don't need more :)

Even the scree is excellent for walking, completely contrary to expectations

This is how it looks from a bird's eye view

Pas da le Cirele, horizons open up to us

Rare hikers look at Palon de Jigole, our first peak

On the right follows the narrow path 612B to the pass Pas de Ombetola

Our goal is the almost three-thousander Ombretola, a completely easy peak

Across the scree we head towards the via ferrata Ombretta and that via some strange variant

View back. An official path exists, in reality it's a descent over rubble and debris

Entrance to the short via ferrata Ombretta. It overcomes approximately 70 m of steep rock steps

There are also some C sections. They are short and excellently secured.

The via ferrata leads to the upper, more rugged scree slopes.

Three-thousander Sasso Vernale. An unmarked and demanding military path leads to it.

We treat ourselves to its neighbor Ombreto Orientale, also a three-thousander.

View over the Marmolada saddle to Piz Boè in the Sella group. Hut visible on the summit.

We go to visit the nearby Ombreto Mezzo as well.

View into the narrow valley Val Rosalia with the mighty walls of Vernale and Punte Penine.

We descend towards the pass Passo de Ombreta, where there is also the bivouac Marco dal Bianco.

Interior of the bivouac with an incredible number of bunks :)

On the saddle there are again plenty of black rock formations. They remind me of solidified lava.

Passo de Ombreta, squeezed between walls.

Our goal is exactly where the sun is shining :)

We are already on the pastures of the Contrin mountain pasture.

Look back. We walked on the right side of the misty curtain.

Hut Rif. Contrin, which will host us tonight. Excellent choice :)

GREEN line - GPS track of the walked path DAY 2

(+9)

bagi13. 10. 2021 12:46:39

DAY 3 - Passo S. Nicolo, Rif. Ciampac, Ferrata dei Finanzieri, Colac, Sas de Adam, Pozza di Fassa

Already early in the morning a nice day had formed. We ascended along path 608 to the Passo S. Nicolo saddle and continued along 613 towards Colac. This area is exceptionally scenic, hiking is pure pleasure nasmeh

. To Colac we climbed via Ferrata Finanzieri, descended via easier variant.

Ferrata Finanzieri is serious stuff. One needs to consider the substantial length and C difficulty category. Pure via ferrata is good 500 m of elevation gain, some parts strenuous. Summit excellent viewpoint due to central position. We descended via not quite easy ferrata on opposite side of the mountain, attractive and well protected. Used for normal access to summit.

At the saddle we caught path 613 again and continued to grassy ridge above La Mandra valley with highest peak Sas de Adam. Here we stood right opposite the ridge of first day closing the circle around Marmolada exploration. We descended to Rif. Buffaure hut and switched to path 643. Through vast storm-damaged areas back to start in Pozza di Fassa. That day 20 km and 1600 m ascent.

To conclude ...

Hiked a lot, saw a lot and enjoyed greatly velik nasmeh

. Area little visited, hut prices very reasonable. Plenty of them and satisfied everywhere we stayed or stopped. No Covid measures, no one asks for *Green pass*, staff consistently wears masks. Except for Alta Via Bepi Zac we did all planned, but gathered ideas for at least one more such trip. Definitely coming back nasmeh

We say goodbye to the hut already early in the morning

Slowly ascending along path 608. In the background Col Ombert

Hut Rif. Passo S. Nicolo with magnificent view

Following path 613 towards Forcia Neigra

The path is exceptionally scenic, new vistas open up

In the background, Colac shyly reveals itself

Geological peculiarity. The right summit is almost black, glued together from different rocks

This time we deliberately skip Colac. Descending to the Ciampac valley

The valley has two huts, Rif. Ciampas and Rif. Tiobia del Gaigher

The path to enter the Finanzieri via ferrata is not well marked

The via ferrata is from the 80s, renovated in the latest fashion. Requires fitness and experience

The entry part is not difficult. You climb over compact rocks along steel cables

There are some exposed traverses, all well protected

After the initial warm-up, there's more steepness already

A multitude of pegs provides passage over the vertical step

This is followed by a similar challenge, only much longer and a shade more vertical.

This transitions into an exposed traverse across a smooth slab.

And it continues with straddling the rocky ridge :)

To top it off, a crossing over a deep rocky notch follows.

Exit. Surprised by the length, satisfied with the ferrata :)

Recharging batteries and enjoying the view.

We walked here yesterday. Left Punta Penina, right our ridge.

Markings at the top for the easier descent variant.

The ambience is beautiful, descent between mighty walls.

The path is quite exposed and solidly secured. Some cables are loose.

Here we zigzag. We returned to the known path.

Descending again into Ciampac valley, but this time not to the huts.

Our goal is Sela dal Brunech, passage to La Mandra valley.

Another look back at Colac. In such surroundings the Finanzieri ferrata runs.

We are already on the other side of the pass.

We continue along the ridge towards Sas de Adam. View back.

View ahead towards our summit. Sas de Adam is 2430 m high.

Below it is the ski slope with the upper station at the hut Rif. El Zedron.

From it, it descends to the lower hut Rif. Buffaure, where we search for path 643.

Laid out through areas of extensive windthrow, it is excellently cleared.

This forest giant is made from remains of windthrow. It is approx. 10 m high

Pozza di Fassa. Slowly we conclude and head to new challenges :)

YELLOW line - GPS track of the hiked path DAY 3

(+7)

bagi28. 08. 2023 15:18:10

In 2021 we explored Monzon ridge via Sentiero Franco Gadotti and Sentiero Bruno Federspiel and wanted to explore Costabel ridge via Alta Via Bepi Zac. Due to its thorough renovation we had to skip it then, but after two years they finally opened it. This was the main reason we revisited Marmolada group this year and spent some wonderful days there nasmeh

. Besides the mentioned path we explored quite a bit more within our scope and logistically sensible.

And how did we hike this time?

DAY 1 - Alba village, Rif. San Nicolo hut, Kaiserjager ferrata, Col Ombert summit, Val San Nicolo valley, Sentiero Gino Badia, Rif. Passo delle Selle hut

First day used for access to Bepi Zac start. Of course much faster from other start, but already on first visit years ago we made a wishlist with new attractions. Among them definitely worth mentioning Kaiserjager ferrata, quite demanding military access to Col Ombert summit. Ferrata little known and seen better days. Already entrance offers torn cable and free climbing. Most tricky is few-meter chimney without good holds and footholds, plus cable hangs to the right. Solid D. Otherwise than with arm strength, hauling on rope and bit of luck not easy velik nasmeh

. Higher somewhat easier and so to scenic summit.

This we crossed and on opposite side descended deep into San Nicolo valley. This is closed to traffic in summer season, which is right given massive visits. From valley of course uphill again to passage through needle's eye under Pala di Crapela summit. Such narrow passage in broad massif rarely seen nasmeh

.

On opposite side already spotted familiar Rif. Passo delle Selle hut, where we overnighted second time. Hut and keepers still all best, prices lower than at home. More details on whole path in photostory ...

Start coordinates (Alba - Ciampac parking): 46.4584836N, 11.7881242E

We park in Alba at the parking lot for the Ciampac gondola. Parking fee = 7 € / day

On path 602 we head towards Rif. Contrin hut, but we turn right just before it

Right away on the clearing a welcome as it should be :)

We are still deep in the shade, peaks bask in the morning sun

We are already on path 648 towards Passo S. Nicolo

In the distance our first goal … Col Ombert

On the left we admire the highest peaks of Marmolada range, where we will go a couple of days later

Majestic Col Ombert with modest Rif. S. Nicolo hut

The hut is modest only on the outside, inside we find tidiness and friendly staff surprisingly

After a short stop we say goodbye to the hut and tackle the steep incline

View back to S. Nicolo pass and Colac peak in the distance

View ahead on Kaiserjager ferrata. Some climbers stuck at the same spot for 15 minutes already. Hmmm???

Even the start does not inspire confidence in us. A metal ladder hangs from the wall, the entry steel cable is torn off.

The initial jump used to be protected, now everything is left to inventiveness :)

The cables haven't been renewed for a long time, but they are reliable and useful on difficult sections.

In many places it borders on high C, plus the rock is smooth with poor grips and footholds.

This is especially evident at the spot where the climbers ahead of us got stuck. The several-meter jump thoroughly tires us too.

The Kaiserjager ferrata is essentially a military route to a panoramic peak, but later it was rerouted along a different path at several points.

The wall has been vertical for a long time, difficulties are smaller than in the first part.

There are quite a few such attractive passages, so we explore a completely new route for us with pleasure.

We exit the ferrata high up, practically at the very summit.

Col Ombret is an excellent vantage point and the weather cooperates with us too :)

We have already traversed quite a bit, we will do more :)

Tomorrow the Costabele range via the Bepi Zac path is next.

We cross the range and pick up path 609 on the opposite side.

Along it we will descend substantially into the Val san Nicolo valley, which is closed to all traffic in summer.

View right to the San Nicolo pass. Behind that edge is the hut that we visited this morning.

Val San Nicolo. We will descend all the way to the road far below.

Baita alle Cascate, or colloquially a hut at really beautiful cascading waterfalls :). Our peak in the background.

A bit further ahead we pick up path 641, which delivers us back to the upper stories across steep slopes :)

It was hot below, but here a nice cool breeze and everything is nicer right away.

Especially if the view rests on such scenes :)

No doubt we are already in serious high mountains.

Over there is our passage to the other valley. The Gino Badia path marked 640A follows.

Surprisingly the rock offers good grip and the ascent is a real pleasure :)

Some passages are exposed and the safety gear comes in very handy.

Tight as a string, the cable of course :)

The most beautiful part of the path, narrow passage between vertical walls.

On the other side we spot the hut that will host us tonight.

First a steep descent from the notch follows...

View back. The passage between the valleys is in this notch.

View of the Alta Via Bruno Federspiel ridge trail, hiked a few years ago.

Friendly hut Rif. Passo delle Selle, hosting us for the second time.

In front of the hut is the marker for the start of the Alta Via Bepi Zac path. We will go there tomorrow.

We arrived just before dinner. Not many of us, day visitors have long gone.

GPS track of the first day. We walked 16 km and 2000 m of ascent.

(+11)

bagi29. 08. 2023 12:19:38

DAY 2 - Rif. Passo delle Selle hut, Alta Via Bepi Zac path (both parts), Passo da la Cirele pass, Rif. Contrin hut, return to Alba

We waited two years and finally got it. Alta Via Bepi Zac path finally renovated and we are at its start. Logical continuation of Franco Gadotti and Bruno Federspiel paths and also the most demanding. Also most military, no doubt. On these ridges Austria-Hungary and Italy faced each other and path built for needs of that time. Luckily preserved to today, as overall path par excellence nasmeh

.

Here a warning is in place. Alta Via Bepi Zac has two parts and two quite different characters. First part from Passo delle Selle saddle to Forcela del Ciadin fork. This part certainly demanding, but excellently secured and no special problem for trained mountaineer. At this fork path 637B leads to valley.

Second part continues straight ahead past Forcela Uomo and Forcela di Laghet to Passo da la Cirele pass. This part incomparably more demanding than first, less trodden, more exposed and especially less secured. Certain sections require full attention, as mistakes simply not allowed there. Path marked, though at Forcela Uomo not all clearest. Here many marks of different ages and directions, so we caught right direction only on second attempt velik nasmeh

.

Warmly recommend Alta Via Bepi Zac, but definitely first check photostory and comments under photos. Path not for everyone. We planned it as part of two-day exploration, otherwise easiest access from Passo di San Pellegrino saddle. From there doable in one day.

Alta Via Bepi Zac … a ridge path along the front lines of the first war ...

From this direction, its start is soon above the Passo della Sella hut.

View back at the Costabel ridge that we traversed in 2021.

Hehe, no mistake … the Giro doesn't run here :)

Numerous military objects appear right away.

View ahead to a comfortable path. But all sorts of other things await us :)

One of the numerous tunnels through the ridge crags.

There are still remnants of shelters everywhere.

That's the direction we're heading. The ridge is getting steeper and steeper, the path more exposed.

Tunnels surprise you one after the other like this. Some are short …

Others are longer and you can't do without a light.

The path is never boring. Sometimes it's hard to believe where they found all the passages.

The fixed protections are renewed and there are enough of them at difficult spots.

We walk and marvel. Incredible where the path runs everywhere.

Soldiers lived in such holes. Everything is drilled through, everything connected.

One of the marked peaks. Its surroundings are full of barbed wire remains.

We are not even at a quarter of the path. A long day is still ahead of us :)

Incredible, the wood is still preserved after hundreds of years.

This trench is quite special, but we don't know it yet :)

It soon brings us to our knees and for quite a while :)

Austro-Hungarian first combat line. Soon we figure out why so...

Nearby is another of the marked peaks, all have their significance from the first war.

Austro-Hungarian mining shaft. Indeed, a few dozen meters ahead the Italians had positions.

Hmm, this is already more serious. We air out the safety kits preventively.

Cables are taut, enough pegs and no problems traversing the wall.

They supported the entire rock so it doesn't collapse on the path :)

Safety gear increasingly more and without them we wouldn't get far. No wonder they needed 3 years to restore the path.

A little relaxation before continuing...

One of the most unusual shelters I've ever seen. It is carved into the living rock.

The entrance is renovated, inside there is a collection of photographs from the first war.

This is how the descent is led on the other side of the carved niche.

Important fork at Sforceli del Ciadin. From here on, Bepi Zac takes on a completely different character

The path is marked as *Sentiero per Esperti* and I completely agree with that

The beginning of the second part is nothing special, but the narrower, less trodden path is immediately visible

Whether you like it or not, we humbly bow down …

Soon we encounter smooth slabs and fortunately the passages are secured. Good sign for ahead :)

Limestone and brown volcanic rock constantly alternate

The steel cables are new, no remnants of the old ones are visible. Obviously, some protections have been added considering the old condition

Of course they are not everywhere and it depends a lot on one's own ingenuity and experience

Oh dear, this is not very encouraging. Obviously the weather didn't listen to the forecast :)

A very special path marking ... P02. I can't find it on the maps

Suddenly fog envelops us. We really don't want this on this path and hope it's only temporary

On the other side of the ridge it's better and at the same time increasingly difficult

How on earth are we going to cross this massif ?

About 60m high Torre California. The path goes right under it

And it continues in the same style further on :)

For the rare protections we are exceptionally grateful several times

In front of us is Cima dell'Uomo, the highest peak in the ridge

We are alone, around us silence and complete wilderness

Modest shelter and path markers, most pointing in the same direction. The *Sentiero Alpinistico* sign surprises us

Here there is confusion with the markings. Some are even painted over with gray paint, no direction signs

And so it leads into the officially unmarked direction to Cima dell'Uomo. The Kompass map doesn't even have the path drawn, let alone marked

In good faith that we are on the right path, we tackle the choked steepness :)

Everything is getting wilder and wilder, but we still follow the rare markings. The branch to Cima dell'Uomo we expect only later :)

Even some metal steps are found and rings to pull over the rocks

During the ascent over this scree it somehow went, but we are glad that we *don't have to* descend here. Mistake :)

Glimpse of truth just below the summit of Cima dell'Uomo. We are not on Bepi Zac and will have to return the same way

The photo says it all, the rest I prefer not to comment :)

This is the right direction. If anyone walks around here, they will notice this bridge deep below the aforementioned shelter

He, he ... it was significantly harder for me :)

This is quite a serious matter. The path crosses an extremely steep, avalanche-eroded scree without belaying possibilities

The via ferrata is only on the opposite side, in between it goes step by step in a very slow motion

There is no end or beginning to interesting passages. The environment is extremely wild, but we are thrilled :)

Although there are mostly safety devices at strongly exposed places, one still needs to watch every step

On the scree even concrete rocks are moving,, that's why they routed the track a bit higher

We spot a beautiful greeting that stretches the mouth to the ears :)

We are at Sforceli de Laghet and here the hardest part of the path ends

Only crumbling scree under our feet remains into the Val da la Tascia valley.

Barely noticeable sign for Alta Via Bepi Zac. There are no direction signs and because of tourists it's better that way.

View back. A narrow path leads there where we just came from.

The scree field is full of remains from the first war. Faded bones can also be found.

It climbs to the pass Passo da la Cirele. From there only the descent follows.

We are already over the edge. We follow path 607 into the valley.

To the left is yesterday's Col Ombert with the Kaiserjäger via ferrata.

Behind us Sforcela de la Marmolada, over which we will climb to Punto Penio.

Returning along the maintained path is a real balm for the feet after a long day.

Rif. Contrin. We slept here in 2021 and had an excellent experience :)

Still a little wave goodbye to the old acquaintances :)

Parking lot in Alba. For two days of parking we paid 14€. The machine works on tokens.

GPS track of the second day. For 17 km and 1100 m elevation gain on a demanding path we spent almost 12 hours.

(+14)

panda29. 08. 2023 14:49:26

Congratulations to both especially for the ideas and what you "climbed". smile

I really read your trip reports, generously stocked with photos, with pleasure. wink

(+5)

saram29. 08. 2023 18:02:21

Congratulations to both. Really enjoying the photos and reading.

(+2)

bagi30. 08. 2023 09:07:33

Thanks

. I hope we have brought someone closer to nice paths near more famous peaks. No crowds here, all those we met I can count on the fingers.

(+2)

voluhar7. 10. 2025 09:43:08

https://tomazsarc.blogspot.com/2025/10/dolomiti-14-16-8-2025.html

(+2)

bagi7. 08. 2026 10:34:57

After a few years we visited the Monzoni range again, which geographically belongs to the Marmolada group. The goal was to revisit the ridge path Sentiero Bruno Federspiel, but in the opposite direction than years ago. For the return I chose the direction through the Val Monzoni valley, where we haven't walked yet. Crowds are not to be feared here, especially not Koreans, who have adopted the Dolomites this year velik nasmeh

. In fact we were completely alone on the ridge, only a few goats next to us were shitting thickly on the path zavijanje z očmi

. Also on the return we met people only near the huts.

The ridge path Sentiero Bruno Federspiel is part of the trio I described in previous posts. Also belonging here are Sentiero Franco Gadotti and the entire Alta via Bepi Zac. These are military paths from the First World War that run in the wild environment of the high mountains. All together it is a mountaineering delicacy *par excellence* and I warmly recommend it to experienced mountaineers. Each has its own character, none is exactly easy.

First we climbed to the Passo delle Selle pass, where we visited the hut of the same name in a beautiful location. There the Bruno Federspiel path also begins. It mostly runs in the ridge area, only a few times it retreats from impassable terrain. Harder, especially rocky passages are secured with a steel cable, in many other places I would not have refused it either. Especially crossing extremely steep slopes is completely without protection. The entire path is approximately 6 km long, for which we took four and a half hours.

We finished the ridge path at the Forcella la Costella saddle, from where we descended into the Val Monzoni valley unknown to us. First we visited the pleasant Rifugio Vallaccia hut, which is of the private kind and was built only in 1985. It has 20 beds and is a good starting point for the surrounding peaks. From there we continued deep down and at the lowest point descended a good 500 m relative to the Forcella la Costella pass. Quite a bit, but everything was interesting in turn nasmeh

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When we only started ascending we visited another hut, this time Rif. Taramelli originating from the distant year 1904. It is the only preserved hut of this kind of cube shape, it was built as a base for geological research of this area. In appearance it is really quite special, special is also its supply. It has neither a cable car for cargo, nor an access road. This ends a bit lower by the torrent bed, cargo for the hut is then carried in backpacks. And exactly regarding this we experienced another surprise. For half a liter of beer and freshly brewed coffee we paid only 9€. We could hardly believe it, at least compared to our prices eek

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There followed only a long ascent to the Passo delle Selle saddle, where we devoured sausage. Nice places these are, the weather also served, so we had nothing bad nasmeh

. This time we did not stop at the hut, but only descended to the starting point at Passo Peregrino on the same path as in the morning. More in the photo story …

Coordinates of the starting point (Passo Peregrino): 46.3780494N, 11.7938878E

Passo Peregrino. We start early, a long day ahead of us

Path 604 directs us towards the first coffee :)

Up there to the hut we must go, then follows the ridge on the left

Pleasant hut Rif. Passo Sella. We have already slept here twice

There are quite a few visitors. A group of young people has just finished breakfast

Signpost at the saddle. On the right is the beautiful Alta via Bepi Zac, we choose the left Bruno Federspiel

Monument to Bruno. He was an important alpinist who contributed a lot to the preservation of this path

Path 616. Here were the Austrian positions

Yet another of the many fortified positions

Continuation, at the beginning quite friendly terrain :)

Ahead of us is still the whole ridge on the right, quite a bit is also hidden

Shelter. Once for soldiers, today for goats. The floor is thickly soiled

Here also begins the partially secured section

For the introduction follows some cables …

From here on it will be a long way without them

Well, we found the culprits for the shitty path

They look quite gentle and don't let themselves be disturbed

These same goats we meet again much later in the valley

From here on it's better and no need to watch every step

View back on part of the path we have walked

View ahead. Ahead of us are more difficult sections

The rock is granite and the shoes grip well

Next follows an ascent one floor higher …

Without protection it would be quite difficult :)

Red star, marking of the Bruno Federspiel route

Here it's no longer a joke, the protection has also run out

Behind the edge it's no better. These are the most exposed parts of the entire route

Below there are countless sheep overcoming the steep slope on a narrow path

The most pronounced notch on the traverse. We descend almost 200 meters to it

This is the Forcella Ricoletta saddle, where one can turn into the valley

But our goals are different, so we continue along the ridge …

Steep is this ascent, steep, again we have to climb 200 meters

Cima Malinverno, a 2630 m high peak where we take a break

Then we turn right, where a substantial piece of the ridge awaits us

In the final section the path levels out and walking becomes just a stroll

Forcella la Costella saddle. From here on we will descend for a long, long time

Path 624 will take us to unknown places :)

We have to descend down into the hole, then climb up to the tiny dot on the ridge, the Rif. Passo Sella hut

And in between there are stops for refreshment, the first one is the Rif. Vallaccia hut

Inside too the atmosphere is pleasant and we are served quickly

One of the alpine pastures with a wonderful view

Almost the lowest point. A little more descent follows, then only the ascent

A road for supplying the Rif. Taramelli hut leads to this torrent. From here on everything goes in backpacks

A very interesting cube-shaped hut. We have not come across one like this before.

We stop here too. The staff is friendly, the prices are incredibly low

I look inside. This is truly a hut from the past :)

If there is no space left in the rooms, there is also an annex :)

Once again the unusual Rif. Taramelli hut

There are numerous streams, all flowing without distinct beds

There is also plenty of vegetation. The markings are painted on stakes, which is also common practice

We are already across the fault. The path levels out, the landscape becomes high-alpine

Path 640A runs across here, which we walked years ago. The passage between the needles in the middle of the photo is very interesting

Towards the Passo Sella saddle we are accompanied by the same goats we met on the ridge :)

We are already at the saddle. We still have a good hour to the starting point

Final descent. After a long day, the grass is much more comfortable than macadam :)

At the starting point. We are parked right next to the hotel, alone, almost for free and we even have somewhere to dispose of the trash :)

A long path is behind us and in places quite demanding - We walked 22 km and 1800 meters of elevation

(+11)

bagi8. 08. 2026 14:55:30

Passo Peregrino is an excellent starting point for many interesting tours, so we decided to stay right here smile

. This time we went in the opposite direction than the previous day, more towards Marmolada. Our basic goal was the almost three-thousander Ombretola, then the side Palon de Jigolé and the unexplored peak Cima Cadine. All quite easy and leisurely, for a change from the recently traversed Bruno Federspiel.

A few kilometers and elevation gains were still accumulated. We started from the same starting point as the previous day and took the promenade road 607 towards the hut Rif. Fuciade. Promenade because during the day crowds of tourists flock along it. To the hut the road is almost flat and as such suitable for old and young, with hiking shoes or slippers rolling

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From the hut onwards more serious terrain begins. We had to climb to the pass Passo delle Cirelle, which is not quite easy. The introduction is more or less a comfortable path through green landscape, then follows a good two kilometers of ascent over extensive scree fields. Good that we had shade big

. In between there is also a hidden branch for the wildest part of the path Bepi Zac, which we had the opportunity to get to know years ago. A little more and we arrived at the pass.

There is a bunch of directional signs and we chose the far right path 612B. This leads towards the hut Rif. Falier in the neighboring valley, but also towards today's goal. The terrain is full of rubble everywhere, the paths are well-trodden and easily passable. Some caution was still needed, as some parts are exposed. We were quickly at the top, from where you could see far around. But we moved a bit lower, as at this height an unpleasant cold wind was blowing.

Complete calm we found just below the summit of Sasso Vernale, which still awaits our visit. At its foot is a former military base, where we found warm shelter for rest. Otherwise, remnants of military presence are visible everywhere, from wooden remains of barracks, to barbed wire and countless cans, even bones were piled up. Given the size probably human, so I didn't want to photograph them.

To the saddle Passo delle Cirelle we returned the same way, then turned right to Cima Cadine. We haven't been here before, but from the top there is the best view of the prominent and at the same time highest peak in this range … Cima dell'Uomo. We visited it last year and despite the time distance it is still very high in the ranking of difficulty in our mountaineering career. Followed by a visit to the nearby military outpost, then once again descent to the saddle Cirelle. From there we then turned to the unmarked peak Palon de Jigolé. The path is well visible, only in the summit part more caution is needed.

Again we returned to the saddle, this time finally and followed the return over extensive scree fields to the valley. There was no shade, so the sun was burning like crazy. For refreshment we stopped at the hut Rif. Fuciade, where it was full of people. We also encountered crowds on the final return to the starting point, only at the slightly secluded lake Lago di Pozze was there peace smile

. To the starting point we then had only a few minutes.